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Where to eat in Amsterdam
Discover Amsterdam’s best places to eat, from cosy local spots to international restaurants.
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Your culinary guide for Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a gastronomic melting pot, offering a diverse range of flavours from traditional Dutch cuisine to modern cafés and Michelin-starred restaurants. You'll find street food markets with authentic goodies, cafés offering New Zealand-style brunches, restaurants serving Indonesian dishes and, of course, all the local delicacies you'd expect.
Whatever you're seeking, be sure to pack a healthy appetite. Discover the best restaurants in Amsterdam with our foodie guide below.
Classic Dutch restaurants in Amsterdam
Dive into Amsterdam's culinary roots with traditional Dutch dishes like stroopwafels, poffertjes and hearty stamppot. From cosy family-run eateries serving crispy bitterballen to historic brasseries plating up herring, these restaurants capture the essence of Amsterdam's food culture.
Moeders
Rozengracht 251, 1016 SX
Dutch cuisine often involves a great deal of enthusiastic mashing of vegetables. Hence, the beloved local delicacy of stamppot – a classic dish served in Amsterdam since the early 1600s. It's a delicious pile of boiled and mashed vegetables – served at Moeders with sausage, meatballs and bacon.
Be sure to bring a hearty appetite and plenty of room for pudding. Favourites include stroopwafel parfait and big slabs of warm apple pie served with homemade ice cream.
The Pantry Restaurant
Leidsekruisstraat 21, 1017 RH
Tucked near Leidseplein, The Pantry serves up authentic Dutch comfort food in a charming, no-frills setting. This family-run restaurant has been introducing visitors to traditional Dutch cuisine for over a decade.
Expect generous portions of stamppot, erwtensoep (a split pea soup so thick your spoon will stand up!) and perfectly fried bitterballen. The friendly service and traditional recipes make it feel like you're dining in a Dutch home.
De Blauwe Hollander (The Blue Dutchman)
LeidsekLeidsekruisstraat 28, 1017 RH
Just steps from The Pantry, De Blauwe Hollander also specialises in traditional dishes served with a generous helping of Dutch hospitality. Their stamppot varieties change with the seasons, and the menu features lesser-known classics, including zuurkool (sauerkraut) and hutspot (mashed vegetables served with meat).
The rustic interior creates an atmosphere that's quintessentially Dutch. Pop in for lunch or dinner to experience home-cooked local food at its finest.
Canalside dining in Amsterdam
Many restaurants in Amsterdam are situated along the city's picturesque waterways, offering memorable dining experiences that extend beyond the menu. Watch boats glide past as you dive into a delicious meal at one of the restaurants below – it's a classic Amsterdam dining experience.
Brasserie Ambassade
Herengracht 341, 1016 AZ
Set in a beautiful canal house on the prestigious Herengracht, Brasserie Ambassade blends French technique with Dutch ingredients. The restaurant windows overlook one of Amsterdam's most iconic canals, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
The menu changes seasonally, but fan favourites include juicy steak frites and speculaas meringue. The wine list is carefully curated, and the service strikes that perfect balance between attentive and relaxed.
Café het Molenpad
Prinsengracht 653, 1016 HT
This cosy corner café sits right on the Prinsengracht, with a sunny terrace that's perfect for people-watching over a leisurely lunch. Café het Molenpad serves up seasonal cooking – think fresh salads, hearty sandwiches and daily specials that showcase local ingredients.
The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, popular with locals who come for the excellent coffee and stay for the canal views. In summer, grab a spot outside and watch the world go by.
Restaurant De Belhamel
Brouwersgracht 60, 1013 GX
Perched on the corner of two canals, De Belhamel offers some of the best views in Amsterdam. This Art Nouveau restaurant has been a neighbourhood favourite for over 30 years, serving European cuisine with a focus on seasonal, sustainable ingredients. The menu blends French and Italian influences, with standout dishes including their perfectly cooked steaks.
Book a table by the window at sunset – the golden light bouncing off the canals is magical. The romantic setting makes it an ideal spot for a date night or special celebration.
Amsterdam's sweet treats and desserts
Amsterdam's sweet tooth runs deep, and a trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting its local bakeries and cafés. From decadent stroopwafels to fluffy poffertjes, get ready to indulge. Here are some spots serving the kind of treats that'll have you planning your next visit before you've even left.
Bakers and Roasters
Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 54, 1072 BH
Granted, there's no shortage of pancake purveyors in Amsterdam, but some might leave you feeling a little, well, flat. There are no such concerns at Bakers & Roasters, the New Zealand-style café with a Brazilian touch.
Choose from dishes like maple syrup-drenched pancakes, warm apple crumble porridge and banana nut French toast. Is your mouth watering too? Weekend queues can stretch down the street, so arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table.
Winkel 43
Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA
Located in the heart of Jordaan on the edge of the Noordermarkt, Winkel 43 is famous across Amsterdam for one thing: apple pie. This isn't just any apple pie – it's a towering, warm slice with mountains of fresh whipped cream and golden crumbly pastry that locals claim is the best in the city.
The café itself is bright and spacious, perfect for refuelling on a day of sightseeing. Enjoy a slice of heaven and a coffee on their sun terrace, soaking in the authentic taste of Amsterdam.
De Laaisie Kruimel
Langebrugsteeg 4, 1012 GB
Located in the heart of Jordaan on the edge of the Noordermarkt, Winkel 43 is famous across Amsterdam for one thing: apple pie. This isn't just any apple pie – it's a towering, warm slice with mountains of fresh whipped cream and golden crumbly pastry that locals claim is the best in the city.
The café itself is bright and spacious, perfect for refuelling on a day of sightseeing. Enjoy a slice of heaven and a coffee on their sun terrace, soaking in the authentic taste of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam's trendy cafés and vibrant bars
The Dutch ‘brown café’ is one of Amsterdam's highlights, with tiny flutes of beer and unique décor. However, in recent years, there’s been a rise in cocktail bars, themed spots and rooftop hangouts. Whether you're after a traditional or contemporary borrel, Amsterdam's bar scene has you covered.
Café de Jaren
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20, 1012 CP
This light, bright, canalside café is a friendly spot to stop for drink. The bar's well-stocked and the hearty dishes hit the spot, from the baked egg breakfast sandwich to the classic bitterballen, best enjoyed with a beer.
Grab a spot on the leafy terrace and soak up the waterside vibes. Or, for the full Amsterdam experience, turn up by boat and step nonchalantly onto the jetty.
Brouwerij het IJ
Funenkade 7, 1018 AL
When in Amsterdam, be sure to try the local beers. And where better than at the brewery itself?
The taproom at Brouwerij het IJ sits in the shadow of the largest wooden windmill in the Netherlands, and serves up their signature pale ales and bockbiers.
Can't decide which tipple to try? Ask for one of the handy samplers; a science lab-like rack of miniature glass vials.
To soak up the suds, choose from their simple but tasty menu of bar snacks, including cheese and sausage, cornichons, olives or a perfectly boiled egg.
TonTon Club
Polonceaukade 27, 1014 DA
If you like your pint with a side of pinball or a quick spin on a vintage Sega, TonTon Club is the place for you.
This retro games bar is lovingly curated, and the menu's a delicious mash-up of Japanese and Dutch dishes.
So bring your competitive side and a healthy appetite – it's likely to be a long, brilliantly fun night.
Michelin-starred restaurants in Amsterdam
Amsterdam isn't really into starchy, formal dining, so many of its Michelin-starred restaurants take a more relaxed approach. That’s not to say it doesn’t do luxe, as the gilded splendour of Bougainville attests. Still, there’s a sense of creativity and fun, from the rebellious ‘no-tables’ 212 to the laidback, much-loved Ron Gastrobar.
Ron Gastrobar
Sophialaan 55, 1075 BP
It may have a Michelin star, but this place is anything but stuffy. The open kitchen turns out playful small plates, and some of the finest steaks in town (dry-aged, impeccably sourced and served with bone marrow, béarnaise and fries).
Desserts include indulgent sharing portions of ice-cream and the iconic ‘surprise egg’ – a quirky chocolate confection, complete with runny yolk.
Restaurant 212
Amstel 212, 1017 AH
This modern, two Michelin-starred address offers ‘no-table’ dining – which translates to counter-style seating, set around a sleek open kitchen. It’s fascinating to watch the chefs at work, but what’s on the plate is even better.
The tasting menu is flawless, but there's an à la carte option too, if you'd rather build your own off-the-scale delicious dinner.
Restaurant Bougainville
Dam 27, 1012 JS
This swish spot oozes old-school glamour, with its brocade banquettes, gleaming gold tiles, and dreamy views of Dam Square.
It scooped a Michelin star within a year of opening, and lives up to the hype, with clued-up service, a stellar wine list, and dishes almost too pretty to eat.
It’s set in the decadent Hotel TwentySeven; after dinner, retire to one of its 16 sumptuous suites.
Amsterdam's street food and markets
From covered food halls serving global cuisine to traditional outdoor markets selling Dutch snacks, Amsterdam's street food stalls and markets capture the city's diverse food culture. Grab a stroopwafel fresh off the iron, sample Indonesian street food or build your own picnic from artisan stalls.
Market 33
Claude Debussylaan 33, 1082 MC
Located in the heart of Amsterdam Zuidas, Market 33 is a local food market with a neighbourhood feel. This covered market hall features diverse vendors, artisan coffee roasters and specialist producers. It has a laidback atmosphere with communal seating, creating a welcoming, convivial vibe.
Find everything from crisp pizzas and cheesy quesadillas to Asian street food and healthy bowls. It's a great spot to experience Amsterdam's multicultural food scene away from the tourist crowds.
Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT
Foodhallen
This indoor market in Amsterdam West is a foodie paradise under one roof. Housed in a converted tram depot, Foodhallen brings together 21 stalls serving everything from Vietnamese bánh mì and wood-fired pizza to fresh oysters and gourmet burgers.
The atmosphere is buzzy and informal, and it's brilliant for groups where everyone wants something different. Open late, it's great for lunch, dinner or late-night snacks after exploring the nearby Vondelpark.
Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 BD
Albert Cuyp Market
Amsterdam's largest and most famous outdoor market has been trading since 1905. Stretching for nearly a kilometre through the De Pijp neighbourhood, Albert Cuyp Market is where locals and tourists come for fresh produce, flowers, fabrics and street food.
Hunt down a fresh stroopwafel, grab a cone of crispy fries with mayo or try a herring sandwich from one of the traditional fish stalls. The market runs from Monday to Saturday and gets busiest around lunchtime. Come hungry and bring cash, as not all vendors accept card payments.
Amsterdam's hidden culinary gems
Venture off the beaten path to discover secret eateries and local cafés, ideal for travellers seeking authentic culinary experiences. Here's our top picks:
- ·Café De Dokter – Run by the same family since 1798, it's an intimate brown café experience with jazz music and expertly crafted drinks.
- Davie's (opens in a new tab) – This tiny Jordaan sandwich shop has locals queuing for homemade sandwiches, including their legendary pastrami.
- ·Café Restaurant Amsterdam (opens in a new tab) - Set in a converted 1900s water-pumping station, this chic spot serves classic French-Dutch cuisine amid industrial machinery.
Plan your journey to Amsterdam with Eurostar
Taking the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam puts you in the city centre in just over 4 hours – no queuing at airports, no baggage faff, just smooth sailing through the countryside. Whether you're after a romantic canalside escape, a family adventure or a solo weekend soaking up the best of Dutch cuisine, we've got you covered.
Check out our package deals where we bundle your train and hotel together – one simple booking, and you're sorted. All you need to do is turn up, settle in and watch the journey unfold.
Frequently asked questions
For authentic Dutch cuisine, head to Moeders on Rozengracht for their legendary stamppot, The Pantry Restaurant near Leidseplein for generous portions of traditional comfort food or The Blue Dutchman for seasonal Dutch classics in a rustic setting.
Bakers and Roasters in De Pijp serves outstanding New Zealand-style brunch with Brazilian influences – their pancakes are legendary. For sweet treats and excellent coffee, De Laatste Kruimel, near Dam Square, is a tiny gem loved by locals, while Café de Jaren offers a more spacious option with beautiful canal views and decadent treats.
Amsterdam's Michelin scene is refreshingly unpretentious. Ron Gastrobar serves exceptional steaks, while Restaurant 212 offers counter seating, so you can watch the chefs prepare each course. Restaurant Bougainville is another excellent spot, combining old-school glamour with picture-perfect views of Dam Square. All three restaurants strike a balance between fine dining excellence and Amsterdam's characteristic laidback approach.
Foodhallen, in West Amsterdam, is an indoor food market with 21 vendors under one roof, perfect for sampling a diverse range of cuisines. Albert Cuyp Market, Amsterdam's largest outdoor market, is renowned for its traditional Dutch street food, including fresh stroopwafels and herring sandwiches. Market 33 in East is another great option, perfect for those seeking a more local, neighbourhood feel.
Beyond our featured restaurants, Amsterdam rewards curious explorers. Wander through Jordaan's side streets to discover neighbourhood brown cafés, De Pijp for independent eateries and international restaurants and Kinkerstraat for excellent Indo-Dutch cuisine. The best strategy is to venture away from main tourist areas – follow locals, peek through café windows and trust your instincts. Many of Amsterdam's finest dining experiences are the ones you stumble upon while exploring.
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